Well, we're on the homeward trek. Driving down to Birmingham this afternoon to spend a final evening with Di and family before heading off for the airport at 6am for a mid-day flight. Thanks once again John for the loan of your car.

Thanks to all Ray's 'Ollerton' family for the wonderful hospitality they gave us for our final week in Lancashire. We had a lovely catch up with Aunty Marg West before John came over from Blackpool to spend the weekend with us in Darwen. Had a lovely Indian dinner with Susan, Mel, Westley & Lucas. We stayed 2 nights at Uncle Tom & Aunty Marg Ollerton's beautiful country home at Entwistle - went through the family photo albums, took an early morning walk around the reservoir and enjoyed Aunty Marg's home cooking (especially her whinberry pie). Caught up with their daughter Catherine and son-in-law Peter and their gorgeous sons Sam, Nick and Ben. Cousin David cooked us a gourmet bbq at his, Sarah & Toby's house where we caught up again with Ray's cousins Lyn & Christine. Although no longer a hairdresser, Susan obligingly brought around her scissors and gave Ray (and several others) haircuts & trims.
We spent a last day in Blackpool with John and watched the tide come in on South Shore, then we went to see a play in the evening at the Grand Theatre.

This trip has been a wonderful experience and special time for us all, but especially Ray, to get to know his family in the UK.
We are looking forward to putting our feet on Australian soil again, however, and seeing our family and friends there.
Our love and hugs to everyone - Marg, Ray, Tahnee & Marli